Comparative study and interobserver analysis between two diagnosis methods for hip dysplasia in dogs

Abstract

The aims of this study were to assess the difficulties of implementing PennHIP method in diagnosis of hip dysplasia, comparing this method with the recommended by CBRV and determining the influence of training in the interpretation through interobserver analysis. Fifteen dogs of the Labrador breed were used to evaluate the radiographic examination as the recommendations of CBRV and analysis of joint distraction. The agreement correlations of both methods were made by subjective and Kappa study. The values of K=0.44 were moderate by conventional diagnostic method and K=1.0 almost perfect for PennHIP method, however, there was greater variability in PennHIP when comparison was between the different legs.  We conclude that despite the difficulties to execute the PennHIP method this should be introduced in routine radiographic evaluation to search hip dysplasia in conjunction with recommended CBRV method.